Seasonal Transition Piece: The Cropped Sweater

Summer 2012 saw the re-emergence of the crop top, and early 2013 trends are following suit with the cropped sweater. While tunics and long, oversized sweaters have been the go-to style for the past few years, we think the cropped version is a much-needed refresher. Are you tempted to begin styling this “it” sweater into your seasonal garb?

Here are a few tips for pulling off the look the right way, along with notable fashionistas wearing the look for inspiration!

Go Casual

Cropped sweaters come in all shapes and sizes, from fitted to oversized — and even in cardigan form. We love the idea of pairing one with comfy jeans and a fun undershirt in bright colors, prints, or patterns for a casual look, much like See Jane‘s look above. Or, mix and match prints with a gingham button down and striped sweater for a winter-to-spring look. Of course, you should be mindful of your pairings; a loose top is a good match for fitted bottoms, and a fitted top is best for loose bottoms. After all, a fitted top doesn’t exactly create a modest look when paired with skin-tight leggings — eek!

Go Bright

How boho-chic is this look from The Day Book, featuring a long maxi shirt with a basic tee and belted, cropped cardigan. Love! This look adds a fashion-forward spin to the everyday look of a casual sweater. A cropped sweater also presents the perfect opportunity for throwing on some colorful skinnies or a bright cami for a playful touch. Don’t forget to add standout spring accessories like a bubble necklace, jeweled collar, or sweet scarf.

Go Bold

While a bare midriff is hardly appropriate for chilly winter-to-spring weather, we’re all about breaking the rules — sometimes. We recommend this look for a dressier setting, such as a party or night out. If you’re opting for a cropped sweater without an undershirt, consider pairing it with high-waisted bottoms or a skirt, like Diane Kruger’s fab look above. Talk about hitting two trendy birds with one stone: a cropped sweater and black-and-white color combination! And we can’t get over her perfect handbag pairing (we have a look-alike here). Hot, hot, hot!